Punishment for 113 mph on the Merritt? Write a college paper

STAMFORD — A Sacred Heart University sophomore studying criminal justice got schooled on the state’s court system Thursday in state Superior Court when a judge gave some homework to the 19-year-old, who is accused of driving 113 mph on the Merritt Parkway.

Nicholas Hunt, 19, of Uniondale, N.Y., appeared in court on a pending reckless driving charge hoping to get Judge Richard Genuario to sign off on his application to a court diversionary program that would clear his record.

Hunt was cited for reckless driving in November 2010 after prosecutors said he was caught driving 113 mph on the two-lane Merritt Parkway through Stamford and Greenwich around 1 a.m. His lawyer, public defender Lisa Stevens, told Genuario Hunt was a “good kid” trying to get through college and deserved a second chance.

Although Genuario seemed disturbed by how fast Hunt was driving, he took an immediate interest in Hunt’s career ambitions.

“What are you studying?” Genuario asked.

“Criminal justice,” replied Hunt, prompting laughter in the rows of people sitting behind him, apparently struck by the irony of the situation.

After pondering the case for a moment, Genuario decided to grant Hunt’s application to the accelerated rehabilitation program, but not before adding in a little extra credit assignment.

“I am enticed by the fact you are studying criminal justice at Sacred Heart,” Genuario said. “I want you to write me a paper of college quality on the issue of motor vehicle offenses and their impact on the criminal justice system.”

Hunt agreed to write a five-page paper after his lawyer ensured the paper could be handed in double spaced. Hunt was also ordered to do 40 hours of community service and complete a year probationary period without any further moving violations or criminal charges in order to complete the program. If he writes the paper and completes all the other conditions, the charge will be dropped.

A first-time reckless driving conviction is punishable by up to $300 and 30 days in jail.